asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a press report on 3 June 1978 (details supplied) regarding care of the aged; if so, if he has investigated this matter and the serious disclosure made; and if he will make a statement as to the action taken by him to rectify this deplorable situation in relation to senior citizens.
Written Answers . - Care of the Aged .
144.
: I have read the newspaper contribution referred to by the Deputy.
The provision of the services and the arrangements in the homes referred to in the contribution are primarily matters for the Eastern Health Board.
I have received a report from the board in the matter and I understood that the move of the patients from the former Coombe Hospital buildings was necessary due to unsuitable condition of the buildings and that they have been transferred to Brú Chaoimhín as a temporary measure while improvements are being carried out to alternative accommodation in the former Nurses Home in Cork Street.
The board's report also indicates that the allegations regarding the conditions at Brú Chaoimhín are generally unfounded and I understand that the board will shortly issue a detailed reply for publication in the newspaper concerned.